Who is Robert Vadra?

Congress president Sonia Gandhi's son-in-law Robert Vadra has been in news for the last few days over his alleged links with realty giant DLF.

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India Today Online

New Delhi

October 10, 2012

UPDATED: October 10, 2012 12:11 IST

Robert Vadra

Robert Vadra is from Moradabad, where his father Rajinder Vadra ran a brassware export business. His mother Maureen taught at a playschool in Delhi. Vadra studied at The British School and met Priyanka when she was 13. They got married in 1997, and have two children - son Raihan and daughter Miraya.

His father, from whom he was estranged, was found dead in a Delhi motel in 2009. His elder brother, Richard, committed suicide in 2003 and his sister, Michelle, died in a car accident in 2001.

Robert Vadra's Rapid Rise

Vadra started Artex, a handicraft business, in 1997. He diversified into other areas, such as real estate, hospitality and charter aircraft. Realty firm DLF is his partner in real estate and hospitality.

His mother Maureen is a director in all his companiesSky Light Hospitality, Sky Light Realty, North India IT Parks, Real Earth Estates and Blue Breeze Trading. All of them were registered between November 2007 and June 2008 with a paid-up share capital between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 25 lakh.Living the high life

A Page 3 regular, Vadra loves life in the fast lane. He is often seen at hip nightclubs in the Capital. A fitness fanatic, he flaunts his body in body-hugging designer clothes. He is a familiar face at all happening events, be it the F1 race or the Air Show at Hyderabad. Zips around in high-end bikes.

What has Arvind Kejriwal accused Robert Vadra of?

Arvind Kejriwal has accused Vadra of taking an interest-free loan of Rs 65 crore and heavy bargains on land from DLF Limited in exchange for political favors. Kejriwal has demanded a probe into the business dealings between Vadra and his companies and real estate giant DLF.

Who is Arvind Kejriwal?

A Ramon Magsaysay award winner, Arvind Kejriwal is a former Indian Revenue Service Official who is fighting for greater transparency in government. Earlier, he was part of Team Anna, however, he is now on his own after a fallout with Anna Hazare.How has Vadra responded to the accusations?

Reacting to the accusations, Vadra, instead of speaking out to the media, hit out at the IAC saying, Mango men in banana republic.?? He also tweeted saying, Evidence pouring in from mango men from across the country. Mango men would prove to be nemesis for the powerful.??

How has DLF responded to the allegations?

In its response to the allegations leveled by Arvind Kejriwal, DLF has said that all its transactions and dealings with Vadra have been clean and transparent. It said that there was no question of offering Vadra or his group companies any property at a throwaway price.